School absenteeism among children and adolescents aged 6–19 years with sickle cell disease in Uganda: A comparative cross-sectional study

by Juliane Peninah Nattimba, Sabrina Bakeera-Kitaka, Joseph Rujumba, Ruth Namazzi, Ivan Segawa, Kizza Lubega, Alphonse Taban, Edison Mworozi, Phillip Kasirye, Deogratias Munube, Grace Ndeezi, Sarah Kiguli, Thereza Piloya Introduction Sickle cell disease (SCD) contributes substantially to school absenteeism due to recurrent pain, infections, and frequent hospital visits that interrupt learning and long-term academic progress. In Uganda, where the SCD burden is high, the extent and drivers of absenteeism are not well documented, limiting the development of supportive school health strategies.

This study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of absenteeism among children and adolescents with SCD to inform education and health policy. Methods A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at Mulago National Referral Hospital’s Sickle Cell Clinic in Kampala, Uganda, from 18 July to 03 November 2024.

Children aged 6–19 years with SCD and their siblings or peers were consecutively enrolled. Chronic absenteeism: missing ≥10% of expected school days in the previous term (~89 days), was the primary outcome.

Sociodemographic, school-related, and clinical data were collected through structured interviews and medical record review.